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UFC 320 Pereira V. Ankalaev 2: Two Women's Bouts Announced As Card Showcases Depth

UFC 320 Pereira V. Ankalaev 2: Two Women's Bouts Announced As Card Showcases Depth

News1815 hours ago
The highly anticipated UFC 320 event continues to build excitement as the promotion officially announced two compelling women's bouts that will strengthen an already loaded October card. The Las Vegas spectacular, scheduled for October 4th at the iconic T-Mobile Arena, now features enhanced depth across multiple divisions with the addition of these strategic matchups.
The first addition brings together two battle-tested bantamweight competitors as Macy Chiasson squares off against Yana Santos in what promises to be a pivotal contest for both fighters. Chiasson, known by her moniker 'Mercy," enters the octagon with a professional record of 10-4 and an impressive 8-4 UFC ledger.
Opposite her, Santos brings considerable experience with a 16-8 record overall, including one no-contest that adds intrigue to her competitive history. This matchup represents a critical juncture for both women, as each seeks to establish momentum in the ultra-competitive 135-pound division where every victory carries significant weight toward title contention.
Walker's journey back to the octagon represents one of the evening's most intriguing storylines, as she prepares to compete for the first time in over two and a half years. The Guam representative, who gained recognition through her appearance on 'The Ultimate Fighter: Team Peña vs. Team Nunes," carries a 7-4 professional record and will be eager to demonstrate that her lengthy layoff hasn't diminished her competitive edge.
The Championship Bouts
These additions complement what is already shaping up as one of the year's most significant pay-per-view events. The main card features a light heavyweight championship rematch between current titleholder Magomed Ankalaev and former champion Alex Pereira, with 'Poatan" seeking redemption after his previous defeat.
The Brazilian striker, who established himself as one of MMA's most electrifying performers through spectacular knockouts of elite competition, will attempt to reclaim the 205-pound crown he lost to the Dagestani champion earlier this year.
The co-main event showcases bantamweight excellence as champion Merab Dvalishvili defends his title against top contender Cory Sandhagen. Dvalishvili, riding an impressive win streak and established as the division's dominant force, faces a significant challenge in Sandhagen, whose technical striking and well-rounded skillset have earned him this coveted opportunity.
The card's depth extends beyond the championship bouts, with notable contests including former light heavyweight champion Jiří Procházka facing Khalil Rountree Jr. in a bout with clear title implications. This matchup between the Czech Republic's former titleholder and the dynamic American striker promises fireworks and will likely determine the next contender for the winner of the main event.
The middleweight division receives significant representation through multiple compelling matchups, including Joe Pyfer versus Abus Magomedov, a contest between two fighters known for their finishing ability and aggressive styles. Additional middleweight action features Edmen Shahbazyan against André Muniz and Ateba Gautier facing Osman Diaz, ensuring fans will witness diverse fighting styles across the 185-pound division.
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Durand Cup 2025: East Bengal Edge Past Namdhari To Move Closer To Knockouts
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Durand Cup 2025: East Bengal Edge Past Namdhari To Move Closer To Knockouts

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Durand Cup: Debut Goal From Hamid Ahadad Seals Crucial Win For East Bengal
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Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], August 6 (ANI): East Bengal FC moved a step closer to securing a knockout berth at the 134th Durand Cup with a narrow 1-0 win over a resilient Namdhari FC in a tightly contested Group A encounter, here at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Wednesday. Moroccan forward Hamid Ahadad, making his debut for the Red and Gold Brigade, came off the bench to score the decisive goal in the 68th minute, handing East Bengal their second consecutive win of the tournament, as per a press release. East Bengal Head Coach Oscar Bruzon made four changes to his lineup from their previous match, handing starts to goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, Brazilian midfielder Miguel Figueira, and Greek striker Dimitrios Diamantakos and Bipin Singh up front. Namdhari's Harpreet Singh, meanwhile, made two enforced changes, bringing in skipper Akashdeep Singh in defence and Manish Chaudhary in attack, as suspended defender Manbir Singh missed match kicked off with East Bengal taking immediate control, camping in the Namdhari half and creating chance after chance, only to be denied repeatedly by an inspired performance from Namdhari goalkeeper Niraj Kumar. In the 9th minute, Niraj was quick off his line to deny Diamantakos, and minutes later, intercepted a dangerous ball from Bipin Singh meant for Saul barrage continued, with Mohammed Rashid's powerful 17th-minute strike forcing another save, before Miguel Figueira struck the post twice in quick succession, once with a long-range effort and once with a header, as Namdhari's goal led a charmed life.A Crespo attempt from a Mahesh freekick in the 39th was again stopped by Niraj on reflex, before Miguel hit the crossbar a third time with a bullet header in the 42nd minute. Despite relentless pressure, Namdhari's deep defensive block held firm, and the score remained 0-0 at halftime, thanks in large part to Niraj Kumar's heroics and a bit of good Bengal resumed the second half in a similar fashion, dominating possession and looking for the breakthrough. Diamantakos had a weak shot saved in the 52nd minute before Namdhari's Dharmpreet Singh fired wide in their only real chance in the opening exchanges of the second the need for a spark, Bruzon brought on Hamid Ahadad for Diamantakos in the 61st minute. The Moroccan made an instant impact just seven minutes later, when Miguel Figueira's corner found him unmarked at the far post. Niraj misjudged the flight of the ball, and Ahadad nodded home with ease to break the deadlock and open his account for the Bengal continued to search for a second goal to kill the game. In the 87th minute, Chungnunga shot straight at the keeper, and in stoppage time, both Ahadad and Anwar Ali saw their efforts from close range blocked in a crowded had a glimmer of hope late in the 84th minute when Kamal's free kick nearly found Dasilva, but East Bengal's keeper Gill punched it away just in time, and the linesman flagged for Namdhari's spirited defensive effort and rare counterattacks, they couldn't break through East Bengal's backline led by Anwar Ali and Martand Raina, and failed to register a single shot. As the final whistle blew, East Bengal's clinical edge and tactical discipline sealed a well-earned three win sees East Bengal top Group A with six points and goal difference of +6 from two matches, while Namdhari remain in contention with two wins from three (six points and GD of +3), as two best second place teams in the group stage will make it to the quarterfinals. The Torch Bearers will face Indian Air Force FT in their final group game on August 10, 2025. (ANI)

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